
Photo: Alan RockefellerCC BY 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
candida Plant Care
Lysiloma candidum Brandegee
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lysiloma candidum, most commonly known as the palo blanco, is a tree of the family Fabaceae near-endemic to the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. It may grow to a height of 10 metres (33 ft) and is one of the few spineless woody legumes in the region. It has compound leaves with oval gray-green leaflets. The creamy-white, globose clusters of flowers bloom in March through May and perfume the air with a light, spicy fragrance. The flowers are followed by red-brown pods up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long that hang delicately on the thin branches. This species is distributed throughout the Baja California Peninsula, from Rancho El Barril in southern Baja California state to the Cape region of Baja California Sur, and is also very rarely found in the state of Sonora.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for candida?
Plant candida in full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the candida Native To?
What Is the candida?
candida (Lysiloma candidum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lysiloma genus. candida is native to the state of Sonora. candida is also known as Lysiloma candidum.
candida displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. candida produces small clusters of yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a candida?
Water a young or newly planted candida every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the candida Need?
candida thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the candida Prefer?
Lysiloma candidum tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. candida prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a candida?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for candida to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a candida?
Feed candida every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a candida?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
candida is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a candida?
candida can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a candida?
Prune candida while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a candida in Winter?
candida is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a candida?
candida can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to horsbean plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the candida Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list candida, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the candida?
candida is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the candida Need?
candida grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. candida is native to the state of Sonora. In cooler regions, grow candida as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
candida is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lysiloma genus — compare its care with other Lysiloma species on PlantoScan.
Lysiloma is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
candida thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lysiloma candidum Brandegee, family Fabaceae (first published in Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. , ser. 2, 2: 153 (1889)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list candida, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alan Rockefeller, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
